Simplified Construction Estimate Max Fajardo.pdf May 2026

The book is designed to be a "simplified" guide, stripping away unnecessary academic jargon to focus on actionable data and methodologies.

1. Comprehensive Cost Breakdown Fajardo methodically breaks down the costs of major construction components. The book covers:

2. Unit Cost Analysis One of the book's strongest assets is its instruction on creating a Bill of Materials (BOM) and a Detailed Cost Estimate. It teaches the reader how to compute for "unit costs"—the cost per square meter or per cubic meter—allowing for quick preliminary estimates during the planning phase.

3. Step-by-Step Methodology The text utilizes a step-by-step approach. It does not merely provide formulas; it demonstrates how to derive them. This is particularly useful for students and fresh graduates who are learning the workflow of estimation: from reading blueprints to listing quantities and applying current market prices. Simplified Construction Estimate Max Fajardo.pdf

4. Local Context Unlike many foreign textbooks that use imperial systems or western standards, Fajardo’s work is tailored for the Philippines. It uses the metric system and considers local construction practices, material availability, and standard labor wages in the Philippine setting.

| Item | Estimated Cost (PHP) | |------|----------------------| | Excavation & backfill | 8,000 | | Concrete (footing to slab) | 65,000 | | CHB walls & plaster | 45,000 | | Roofing (c.g.i. + trusses) | 30,000 | | Doors & windows | 20,000 | | Electrical wiring | 15,000 | | Plumbing | 12,000 | | Finishes (paint, tiles) | 25,000 | | Total Direct Cost | 220,000 | | + 15% overhead + profit | 253,000 |

(Note: 2020–2025 prices vary by region) The book is designed to be a "simplified"

From rafters to trusses, the PDF includes detailed appendices for:

For any item: [ \textQuantity = \textLength \times \textWidth \times \textHeight \times \textConstant from Table ]

  • Minimal Plumbing/Electrical Details:
    While present, the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) sections are basic compared to dedicated estimating manuals. you hit Ctrl + F

  • Repetitive Format:
    Some readers find the constant “solve by proportion” method repetitive across chapters.


  • Need to find "Stirrups spacing"? In a physical book, you flip. In the Simplified Construction Estimate Max Fajardo.pdf, you hit Ctrl + F, type the keyword, and you are there in 0.3 seconds. For board exam reviewees cramming for the licensure exam, this is a lifesaver.

    In the construction industry, the ability to accurately estimate costs is the difference between a profitable project and a financial disaster. "Simplified Construction Estimate" by Max B. Fajardo is widely regarded as an essential handbook for Filipino engineers, architects, and construction managers. Part of Fajajar’s celebrated series of technical reference books, this volume bridges the gap between complex theoretical calculations and the practical realities of the Philippine construction setting.